With summer finally upon us, Italy’s iconic cities and famous landmarks are once again starting to fill up, as millions of tourists pour in from across the globe. However, with growing crowds come long queues and rising costs, which are starting to take their toll.
As a result, many are beginning to skip the usual hotspots like Rome, Venice and Milan and are setting their sights on quiet, less-discovered destinations in the hopes of a more peaceful holiday. One perfect destination is found in Italy’s northern Emilia-Romagna region, a city that is known for its balsamic vinegar and opera heritage, but also its vast number of Ferrari and Lamborghini sports cars. In fact, this city has become known as Italy’s motor city, standing as the past or current home of Ferrari, Bugatti, Maserati, Lamborghini and many more.
Modena is located on the south side of the Po Valley in the province of the same name. A city of art and architecture, fine food, and legendary engines, it offers an exciting holiday for the whole family.
It is probably best known for its car industry, since the factories of the famous Italian upper-class sports car makers Ferrari, De Tomaso, Lamborghini, Pagani and Maserati are, or were, located here. In fact, one of Ferrari’s cars, the 360 Modena, was named after the town itself. Ferrari’s production plant and F1 team, Scuderia Ferrari, are based in Maranello south of the city.
Finally, the museum dedicated to Enzo Ferrari, which opened its doors in 2012, can be found in Modena. It focuses on the history of the brand and its founder, Enzo, featuring vintage cars, engines, drawings and you can even take a peek at Enzo’s original office. The museum is located outside of the city centre and is a 15-minute walk from Piazza Grande. There could not be a more perfect holiday destination for petrolheads.
For those not so interested in cars, there are still plenty of incredible things to see in Modena, including its iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised since 1997 as an exceptional example of Romanesque art and architecture. The site consists of the Cathedral of Modena, the Torre della Ghirlandina and Piazza Grande. The soaring Ghirlandina Tower has become an emblem of Modena and is heralded for its distinctive garland decorations. The medieval square, meanwhile, has been a central gathering place for centuries.
You can easily visit Modena on a day trip from Bologna, Parma, or Milan. Or, you can extend your trip by staying in the variety of hotels like PHI Hotel Canalgrande, just a seven-minute walk from the cathedral, who’s 18th-century palace is like stepping back in time, complete with frescoed ceilings and elegant stucco details. After a full day of exploring, you can relax in the terrace and peaceful garden. A large double room is available in late July for as little as £115 per night.
Flights are available in early August with Ryanair for just £26, flying from Luton Airport to Bologna International (BLQ), which is around 20 miles from Modena. Buses from the airport to Modena run on average 10 times a day, taking around 45 minutes with tickets starting at just €2. For those with a hire car, it’s just a 40-minute drive via the E45.